Axminster Rural Sidmouth Urban Honiton Rural ANNUAL REPORT of the MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH for 1968 NO. 2 AREA DEVON 5C- >- Honiton Borough Ottery St. Mary Urban Seaton Urban Medical Officer of Health - Dr. R. C. MacLeod Public Health Inspectors Surveyors Axminster Rural L. Sidmouth Urban J. Honiton Rural J. Honiton Borough A. Ottery St. Mary Urban . . C. Seaton Urban P. H. White F. J. Smith Fee T. H. Chambers D. Hopgood J. D. Hopgood J. C. Nex A. J. C. Nex W. Glover C. W. Glover R. Bradley R. J. Farmer DEPUTY MEDICAL OFFICERS NO. Axminster Rural Sidmouth Urban . . Honiton Rural Honiton Borough Ottery St. Mary Urban Seaton Urban for AREA - EAST DEVON ... Dr. B. L. Finzel, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. ... Dr. R. B. Michelmore, M.D., M.B., B.S., M. R. C. S. , L. R. C. P. Dr. A.T.H. Glanvill, T. D. , O. St. J. , M.R.C.S., L. R. C. P. , C. P. H. Dr. W.H. McBay, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D. Obst. , R.C.O.G., D.C.H. ... Dr. J. F. N. Sidebotham, M.B., B. Chir. ... Dr. A. M. W. Coburn, M. B. , Ch.B. These doctors receive a small retainer and a sessional fee if called upon to deputise for or assist the Medical Officer of Health. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Wellcome Library https://archive.org/details/b29160492 ANNUAL REPORT for No. 2 Area for 1968 comprising Axminster Rural, Sidmouth Urban, Honiton Rural, Honiton Borough, Ottery St. Mary Urban and Seaton Urban This is the 12th Annual Report 1 have presented. 1 shall, as in previous years, comment on services provided in the area by the County Council as well as on those provided by the District Councils. Infectious Diseases Notified 1968 Ottery Axminste r Sidmouth Honiton Honiton St. Mary Seaton Rural U rban Rural Borough U rban U rban Tota Acute encephalitis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Acute meningitis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Acute poliomyelitis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Anthrax 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Diphtheria 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dysentery (amoebic or bacillary) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Erysipelas 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Food Poisoning 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Infective Jaundice 0 0 12 1 0 1 14 Leptospirosis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Measles 41 134 112 182 24 6 499 Ophthalmia neonatorum 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Paratyphoid fever 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pneumonia 1 1 5 3 0 0 10 Relapsing fever 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Scarlet fever 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 Tetanus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuberculosis (non-respiratory) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Tuberculosis (respiratory) 1 0 0 1 2 1 5 Typhoid fever 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Whooping cough _2 0 6 2 _0 _0 10 49 137 136 189 Zb _8 545 Typhoid The typhoid case was a boy of 3, who was infected either in Hong Kong or India. The family and a large number of other contacts throughout Devon were examined but sll were found to be clear. The boy recovered. 1 Diphtheria No cases have been reported for many years. Possibly the ravages of this disease are rather dim in the public memory. However, immunisation against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus is, of course, generally combined and is readily accepted by the public. The most recent Ministry of Health figures show that the percentage of children so immunised in Devonshire is a little better than the average for the whole country, but at around 80% there is room for improvement. Food Poisoning One case only came to light in the area. This was a lady who was ill when she arrived in one of our seaside towns and was found to be suffering from a Salmonella panama infection. Extensive enquiries in her home town, at a stopping place en route, and locally, failed to reveal any other infections or any source of infection. This is, 1 am afraid, a rather typical case history with the Salmonella group of organisms. By the courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, notifications were received of fifteen instances of animals with Salmonella dublin infection. There was no spread to human beings. Food Hygiene Numerous visits were paid to food handling premises and efforts made not only to ensure that the Food Hygiene Regulations were obeyed, but to interest personnel and the public in the reasons behind the precautions taken. While the standard in general continues to rise slowly, it is still very necessary that proprietors of premises where food is handled should look at their arrangements with a critical eye and check them regularly. Immunisation A system whereby, with the co-operation of the County Medical Department, immunisation figures for the six districts covered by this Report can be compiled separately from those of the County as a whole, has been continued. The numbers inoculated are shown below: Primary Booster Total Diphtheria - 4 4 Diphtheria / Tetanus 45 175 220 Measles 423 ^ 22 445 Poliomyelitis 733 (2 incomplete) 442 1, 175 Smallpox 441 144 585 T. A. B. /Tetanus 8 1 9 Tetanus 62 ^ 107 169 Triple * 679 (3 incomplete) 264 943 2, 391 1, 159 3, 550 Combined Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus vaccines. I- Most of those incomplete will be completed in 1969. 2 Poliomyelitis No cases of poliomyelitis occurred. Dysentery No cases of dysentery were reported. Tuberculosis Seven cases (six respiratory) were confirmed. One of the four male respiratory cases was over 65, and the others were aged 44, 39 and 24. The two females were aged 64 and 49. In addition one case moved into the area and was later notified as having recovered. The Heaf testing of school children as detailed in previous Reports continues. B.C.G. vaccination against Tuberculosis is offered to children in all schools, both State and private, throughout the area, and those found to be Heaf test negative are vaccinated. Figures for these tests and subsequent vaccinations are shown below: Children in appropriate age groups Children whose parents gave consent Children Heaf tested Children Heaf negative Children Heaf positive Children given B. C. G. 696 610 592 551 33 503 (including 16 new Grade I's) (excluding 16 new Grade I's) Most of the children on the school rolls for whom consent for Heaf testing was not received were not actual refusals, (of which there were only 22), and will be dealt with next year. Of the 49 children who were positive to the Heaf test 16 were positive because they had had B. C. G. on some previous occasion and three had been positive on previous occasions. There were thus 30 new positives, of which 16 were Grade I's, the significance of which is rather doubtful, and which are under the new instructions treated as negative and given B.C.G. If the children who had been previously positive and the new positives are taken together and the unexplained Grade I's taken as negative, this gives a positive incidence of 2. 9% a figure very much lower than the national average. Brucellosis The special scheme of milk sampling for our six districts continued throughout the year. Through this scheme N.A.A.S. samples taken for ordinary hygienic assessment were passed on to the Public Health Laboratory in Exeter, where they were examined for Brucella abortus, and in addition samples from farms where consents operated - that is where there was permission to supply a few neighbours only - were taken by the Public Health Inspectors. The County sampling scheme continued alongside our own. Under our scheme 305 samples were taken from 93 farms: of these 40 were positive to the milk ring test and 16 (12 farms) contained Brucella abortus. The numerous investigational milk and blood samples are not included in these figures. 3 The Brucellosis Eradication Scheme is achieving wide acceptance in Devon but of course some years must pass before the percentage of infected cattle is much reduced. The Divisional Veterinary Officer has given the following figures for the County: Number of application forms sent out - 1583 Number of completed forms returned - 946 Number of Preliminary Report visits made - 825 Number of Preliminary Reports sent to H.Q. - 821 Number of herd milk samples taken - 1580 Number of herd milk samples returned from Starcross - 1561 Number of herd milk samples negative - 1345 Number of herd milk samples positive - 216 Number of blood test reports received from Starcross - 293 Number of blood tests negative - 241 Number of blood tests positive - 52 Number of Accredited Herds - 190 Human Cases During the year blood samples from five individuals gave a positive agglutination titre for Brucella abortus. Two of the infected persons were veterinary surgeons and were obviously infected at work. One was a farmer's daughter on a farm where infection in the cattle had been present; she was a chronic case, as was a young woman whose positive titre was discovered in the course of investigations for another condition. The last case had been infected outside this area. Anthrax Under the provision of the Diseases of Animals Act 1950 - Anthrax Order 1938 One bovine infection was notified: there was no spread to human beings. An efficient vaccine against anthrax is now available and the use of it will be advised for persons working in appropriate establishments. International Certificates of Vaccination When completed by the medical practitioners these certificates must be authenticated by the local Medical Officer of Health. Number authenticated during the year is shown below: Month Smallpox T. A. B. Cholera Total January 29 1 2 32 February 45 - - 45 March 45 - 1 46 April 42 - 1 43 May 35 - 4 39 June 48 - 5 53 July 58 3 1 1 72 August 45 - 1 46 September 59 - 9 68 October 143 39 1 3 195 November 41 2 7 50 Decembe r 32 _3 8 43 622 48 62 732 4 The total for last year was 577, so that foreign travel from this area is again increasing. Cancer There is no upward trend in the figures for cancer of the lungs and bronchus, and the advantages of living outside an industrial zone are once again emphasized. The total of cancer deaths does not show any significant change either. Lungs and Bronchus All Types including Lungs and Bronchus 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 Axminster Rural - Populatio n 14, 800 9 13 7 9 12 8 10 44 42 26 41 39 41 52 Sidmouth Urban - Population 11, 990 8 12 9 6 7 19 5 47 52 40 34 45 67 54 Honiton Rural - Population 7 , 410 3 0 2 2 6 0 2 16 10 23 14 20 10 14 Honiton Borough - Population 5, 800 1 1 1 0 1 2 0 5 1 1 1 5 10 10 9 7 Ottery St. Mary Urban - Population 5 , 500 1 3 1 1 2 1 4 14 12 15 10 14 6 16 Seaton Urban - Population 3, 840 4 3 0 4 3 1 3 16 10 16 16 20 14 1 1 26 32 20 22 31 3] 24 142 137 1 35 125 148 147 1 54 Welfare of Old People No action was required under the National Assistance Act 1948, Section 47, but many visits were paid to elderly persons suspected to be in need of care and attention. Four were removed to Hospital or Home without need of legal action. The Seebohm Report on Welfare Services has aroused wide interest and discussion. The central idea that all the social services should be combined must receive unqualified support, but the recommendation that the line between the social services and the medical services should simply be drawn in a new place is, to say the least, unfortunate. However, there is no doubt that whatever the final set-up at district level, as long as the district continues to exist, social workers and public health staffs will co-operate peacefully as usual. More groups of elderly persons dwellings with wardens in charge are being provided, and a group of flats built to let at an economic rent to persons of moderate means in one area has been a great success. It is hoped that other councils will follow this example. The various voluntary associations do sterling work and their activities will be most necessary no matter what the decision is on the local government and social service units. 5 The Meals-on-Wheels Service in Axminster, Honiton, Ottery St. Mary, Seaton, and Sidmouth, continues to be much needed and much appreciated. In the Axminster area 1, 568 meals were served; in the Sidmouth area 3, 564 (which does not include the emergency meals supplied immediately after the floods in July); in the Honiton area 1, 364; in the Ottery St. Mary area 2,931; and in the Seaton area 2, 272. The full-time Chiropodists held clinics at Axminster, Beer, Branscombe, Colyton, Honiton, Ottery St. Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth throughout the year. Hospitals There are four hospitals in the area - (1) Axminster. Accommodation is as follows: 30 beds for general medical and minor surgical cases including one private and one amenity bed. (2) Honiton. Accommodation is as follows: 119 beds in all. 93 chronic sick, 10 maternity and 16 acute medical and minor surgical. (3) Ottery St. Mary. Accommodation is as follows: 23 beds in all. 4 chronic sick and 19 general medical and minor surgical including one private and one amenity bed. (4) Sidmouth. Accommodation is as follows: 34 beds in all. 4 maternity, 2 private, and 28 general. Cases of infectious disease from the area go to Whipton Isolation Hospital. The Resident Physician and his staff have been most helpful at all times. Laboratory Facilities Co-operation between the Public Health Laboratory Service at Exeter and the Public Health Department has been close. Child Welfare Clinics Child Welfare Clinics are held at Axminster, Colyton, Honiton, Ottery St. Mary, Seaton, Sidford and Sidmouth. The number of sessions held and the attendances were as follows: Axminster Number of sessions held - 24 Total nurrber of attendances (babies) - 32 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 57 Colyton Number of sessions held - 24 Total number of attendances (babies) - 203 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 131 Honiton Number of sessions held - 51 Total number of attendances (babies) - 608 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 208 6 Ottery St. Mary Number of sessions held - 44 Total number of attendances (babies) - 1659 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 531 Seaton Number of sessions held - 24 Total number of attendances (babies) - 216 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 225 Sidford Number of sessions held - 23 Total number of attendances (babies) - 276 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 174 Sidmouth Number of sessions held - 49 Total number of attendances (babies) - 712 Total number of attendances (toddlers) - 249 Water Supplies Improvements to the water supply steadily continue, though with so many small sources difficulties are bound to arise from time to time. No water-borne disease has occurred. Samples from the East Devon Water Board's supplies are examined chemically by the Board's chemist and bacteriologist, and while bacteriological examinations are done by him according to a sampling scheme in conformity with the World Health Organisation recommendations, samples are also submitted to the Public Health Laboratory Service for independent assessment. Water Board personnel are medically examined on appointment, and in the case of all outdoor staff a Widal Test is included. This is repeated at intervals, but as a routine precaution all medical certificates for such personnel are scrutinised by the M.O.H., who is also M.O. to the Board, and where there is any indication of gastro intestinal upset or other suspicious symptom further enquiries are made. The Chief Engineer to the East Devon Water Board reports as follows: "Public water supply has been adequate at all times and the bacteriological samples taken from all the sources of supply, the service reservoirs and the various distribution systems, have confirmed the satisfactory quality of the water. "Further borehole sources have been successfully tested at sites near Greatwell, Ottery St. Mary and at Harpford. New service reservoirs have been constructed at Chinway, Ottery St. Mary and at Woolbrook in Sidmouth. "Main laying has been completed for the Otter Valley Borehole scheme and water is now being delivered from the Dotton Pumping Station to supplement the supplies to Sidmouth. This will allow the spring sources in the Sid Valley to be disused. At present these supplies are corrosive to lead and copper and it is intended to build treatment plant for the spring water. "Difficulties have been experienced with the No. 3 borehole at Sidford; inflows of sand and marl have resulted in discoloration of the supply in Sidmouth. The service reservoir has been cleared out and the affected mains are being cleansed by means of plastic foam swabs. 7 "The floods during the summer severely damaged works at the spring source near Weston. This supply is now only used on an emergency basis, the normal supply being pumped up from Sidford. "Mains at Tipton, Gosford, Fenny Bridges, and Upottery were swept away by flood waters but within a few hours temporary arrangements had been made to enable supply to be restored. Permanent repairs still remain to be carried out. "Taste in the water from the Greatwell boreholes, due to the presence of extremely small amounts of phenol which re -act with chlorine to give an "iodoform" taste, have been dealt with by the addition of ammonia. "At the Holyford Works the media in the filters has been completely renewed and improved arrangements made for chemical dosing. "Chlorine residual recorder instruments have been obtained for installation at Hook, Holyford and Wilmington Pumping Stations to enable checks to be made on the accuracy of chlorine dosing and to safeguard the supply against inadequate chlorination. "The supply to Combe Raleigh, which for over half a century has come from St. Cyres spring source, will shortly be transferred to the Wilmington spring source which is a better quality water bacteriologically, although of harder characteristic. "The Board has recently made new Byelaws for the prevention of waste, misuse and contamination of water. " Outworkers Under the provisions relating to the Outworkers in the Factories Act, 1937, it is necessary for Councils in whose area there are factories or other establishments employing Outworkers to inform the Medical Officer of Health of the district where the Outworkers live of the fact of their employment. The number of Outworkers seems to be declining. No problem has arisen in connection with such employment during the year. Mass Radiography The service continued to run routine fortnightly sessions in Honiton and Sidmouth. The numbers examined and the conditions found are shown in the table below. Of the total of 895 persons examined, 457 were referred by general practitioners . Total number examined Males Females Conditions found: Active pulmonary tuberculosis Healed pulmonary tuberculosis Melanoma Retrosternal thyroid Acquired cardiac lesion Bacterial and virus infections of the lungs Bronchitis and emphysema 895 437 458 3 1 5 1 1 17 6 1 3 8 Depressed sternum 1 Pleural thickening 1 Pulmonary fibrosis 1 Abnormality of the diaphragm 1 Basal fibrosis 1 Dorsal scoliosis 1 General In the succeeding pages there is given for each district statistical information and the report of the Health Inspector. These reports give a great deal of detail on the work done to prevent disease and improve living conditions. The effectiveness of this work depends to a considerable extent on local knowledge and local responsibility, and it is to be hoped that any reorganisation of districts and of public health and social work areas gives due weight to the importance of this base on which so much of the newer social and medical advances rest. R.C. MacLEOD, Medical Officer of Health. 9 I “{h* fkiotJ UiiP»tti rfB iintftrdt^' IL. . JCjub^ /'V - ^ fcA ^ t V^kl ■t - -- .i>!: ■ ■■ - sMI^IPI ' UixmaBO ‘T«»M» tirittSa* ^Vi 0^r&»#W l!Ci*«ii64**/ «iu# lMS5J«ll«f# »4 i»ft« oohAmnolAJ ]|iiivll •voY^fiil bits »•»»•<& Jntfu^iq ot »ao6 stiow ii»)ob )o ic0b lAaii .•Aofcflbaod t » j^llftft o bail sJ^Hiylblo no|}c«}a«^to«i /.v'- «i;b »od to'l«if«ttjk|^ fiw mtAxkit ‘ -----l-a* '- _ •£. . y.=i3? ' ; y^- ;, _--.at>J ’..aif ..-JJi.' ... C it-. K. „ ' ■ .— '»^cb fblr-bve r. K»tt * 'i9«ts;Mrir it»» •bortiy feq tb th»^Wi4miMft £S^ijdr ^ ^Utr*^***^* fe^ceptip Icni^ii^' a^busb -*»l~ :' « iLdjrd*^*j«aiiliO p*«y •" ,’ B«4t^ h«4 t«b=^^is44l#'aeW ^ d»» ipr^i^btiftp or wubto, i ■'-■ •■' "■ r. ; '* ■ I ^ tFCi n*w»9«4tT' Wo^^^^ bb«Ni »»♦ «i*»x ■. ;b»KfxU^i^|#feii»Htfcir» TjamWT» ejumtobb H^bvnv Ulo^v*' nf w»« t»to1 u>m*wH.7 ■S ■ •/ .-ii^ prbiCtlUtic^s^ .t-3j T.i3^A mrfny*c^ ■:*wiJ'i»if3:^‘.4 # ,.■■'• .^rWnriuJb* ■ #' i ^ Jill: *■,.'> ; t r»K“' 1_i^ j-t CfrntiiHbS« %»a4! .-4= (fe«Lt^ jrulmiWMiry ^M\jiii^(*n^^■ ' ■ ' ■ -It .'’•> s: ri«5 »> jfbVe ' li 'b> -it A«s<^kslhW ‘•Uf^iit^i bciiiaiE '■ ' ^» fibc■. - .. '•*•»• r #J'f7r-','>;V’‘-\f »«!f ’ ^ ■ AXMINSTER RURAL DISTRICT A rea Population Number of Parishes. Rateable Value Penny Rate produces General Rate levied . 50, 823 acres . 14,800 14 £555, 624 . £2,218 10/5d. Deaths 1967 96 males, 92 females 188 Death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population . . 12. 7 Comparability factor 0. 78 Standardised death rate per 1,000 of the estimated resident population 9* 9 1968 116 males, 94 females 210 Death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population . . 14. 2 Comparability factor 0. 76 Standardised death rate per 1,000 of the estimated resident population 10.8 Live Births 1967 76 males, 88 females 164 6 illegitimate births were registered and are included in the above total of 164 Live birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 11.0 Comparability factor 1.31 Standardised birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 14.4 Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births 3.7 1968 92 males, 84 females 176 13 illegitimate births were registered and are included in the above total of 176 Live birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 11.9 Comparability factor 1.31 Standardised birth rate per 1,000 of the estimated resident population 15.6 Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births 7. 4 Still Births 1967 8 still births were registered (1 illegitimate) 8 Total live and still births 172 Rate per 1, 000 total (live and still) births 47. 00 1968 0 s.till births were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Total live and still births 176 Rate per 1, 000 total (live and still) births nil 10 Deaths of Infants under 1 year of age 1967 2 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 2 Infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births 12.00 Infant mortality rate per 1,000 legitimate live births 13.00 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 illegitimate live births . . . nil 1968 3 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 3 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 17.00 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 legitimate live births 18.4 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 illegitimate live births . . . nil Deaths of Infants under 4 weeks of age 1967 2 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 2 Neo-natal mortality rate per 1,000 live births 12.00 Maternal deaths nil 1968 0 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Neo-natal mortality rate per 1,000 live births nil Maternal deaths nil Deaths of Infants under I week of age 1967 1 death was registered (0 illegitimate) 1 Early neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 6.00 Peri-natal mortality rate 52 1968 0 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Early neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births nil Peri-natal mortality rate nil Deaths The chief causes of death were: Other tuberculosis, including late effects 1 Malignant neoplasm, stomach 7 Malignant neoplasm, lung, bronchus 10 Malignant neoplasm, breast 3 Leukaemia 2 Other malignant neoplasms, etc. 30 Diabetes mellitus 1 Avitaminoses, etc. 1 Other diseases of nervous system, etc. 3 Chronic rheumatic heart disease 2 Hypertensive disease 7 Ischaemic heart disease 51 Other forms of heart disease 7 Cerebrovascular disease 30 Other diseases of circulatory system 14 Influenza 2 Pneumonia Bronchitis and emphysema 6 Asthma 1 Other diseases of respiratory system 1 Peptic ulcer 3 Other diseases of digestive system 2 Hyperplasia of prostate 2 Other diseases, genito-urinary system 1 Congenital anomalies 2 Motor vehicle accidents 2 All other accidents 5 Suicide and self-inflicted injuries 3 210 12 Annual Report of the Public Health Inspector Water Supplies 1* East Devon Water Board. Sampling covered the main 12 parish areas in the district and satisfactory results were obtained from their analysis. The number of hereditaments in the area supplied by the Board so far as can be ascertained are as follows: Private Houses Supplied by the Board 2951 Supplied by Private Water Undertakings 109 Total in District 3657 Agricultural, Council Commercial and all Houses other premises 1 1 77 1048 37 10 1221 1845 2. Private Water Undertakings. There are only two in the district and they are not subject to any treatment or chlorination. (a) Axmouth (Stedcombe Estate) Supply Class 1 (b) Combpyne Supply. This supply has been subject to the usual sampling procedures and the position has not materially changed. Consequently, there have been several meetings and discussions and a decision has been made to take appropriate action under Section 140 of the Public Health Act 1936. Sewerage The Dalwood and Membury schemes are now well forward and when completed will help to improve the sanitary facilities to houses in the area and solve the inevitable drainage nuisances and problems that arise where sewers are not available. During the year there was overall consideration of the drainage needs within the district and of the existing drainage systems. The results have been most revealing. It is always wise to keep constant surveillance on the efficiency of existing systems in relation to Planning approvals and developments and to make appreciations of the future needs within the district. Public Conveniences There are two at Axminster, and one each at Colyton and Beer. Considerable efforts are being made to provide additional accommodation at Beer. It has been further proposed that some type of convenience should be erected to serve the Axmouth Harbour area, and it is hoped that when this comes to fruition the construction and layout will be well up to the required standards. The condition of public conveniences always reflect on the Local Authority and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sufficient and adequate staff to keep them in good order. It is regrettable that the buildings of this essential service are so often subject to vandalism. General Inspections and Visits General Sanitation Water Supply 5 Drainage . . . 61 Stables, Piggeries and Cow Stalls 15 Offensive Trades . . . 144 Caravansj Tents, Vans and Sheds (Sites) 558 Litter . . . 9 Factories and Workshops . . . 37 Animal Boarding Establishments 7 Civic Amenities Act 1967 . . . 48 Refuse Collection . . . 66 Refuse Disposal . . . 89 Rats and Mice (Prevention of Damage by Pests) Act 8 Atmospheric pollution . . . 1 Shops and Offices Act - Inspections . . 14 Shops and Offices Act - Visits . . . 13 Miscellaneous Sanitary Visits . . . 48 Petroleum - Inspections and Visits . . . 28 Explosives - Visits . . . 7 Scrap Metal Dealers . . . 1 Rent and Repairs Act Housing 6 Under Housing Acts - Number of houses inspected . . . 43 Visits paid to above • • . ... 57 Filthy or verminous premises . . . Infectious Diseases • • • • • • 2 Miscellaneous Infectious Disease visits 2 Meat and Food Inspections Inspection of Meat - Visits to Slaughterhouse 3 Total Meat Inspection visits 115 Knackers Yard 49 Visits in connection with - Water sampling 46 Condemnation of food 4 (a) Liquid Egg (Pasteurisation) Regulations 1963 There are no liquid egg pasteurisation plants in our district. 14 (b) Food and Drugs Act 1955 Food Hygiene (General) Regulations I960 1. Number of premises registered under Section 16: Number in Area (a) Manufacture of Sausages 10 (b) Sale of Ice Cream only (pre-packed) 81 (c) Fish Frying 3 Number of Inspections 3 1 7 3 2. Food Hygiene (Markets, Stalls, Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1966 There are 49 delivery vehicles and mobile stalls operating from premises in the area. During the year 123 inspections were carried out. 3. It has not been possible to form any food guild within the area. 4. Disposal of condemned foods: (a) Tinned Food - by incineration (b) Meat - by incineration The following was condemned: Tinned Meat 6 lbs. Tinned Vegetables 7 lbs. Fresh Meat 932 lbs. 8 oz. Tinned Fruit 10 lbs. 2 oz. also the contents of a deep freeze container including meat, fish, and confectionery (sweet) products to the retail value of £ 1 5 due to a mechanical breakdown. 5. No action has been necessary with regard to Ice Cream (Heat Treatment) Regulations, as no ice cream is manufactured in this district. 6. Number of Food Premises Fitted to Fitted to comply comply No. in with Reg. 19 with Number of Type area Reg. 16 applies Reg. 19 inspections (a) Bakeries 8 8 8 8 8 (b) Beach Stalls 3 3 3 3 3 (c) Butchers 12 12 12 12 5 (d) Canteens (Works and School) (e) Clubs, Licensed premises. 22 22 22 22 1 Hotels 52 42 52 52 4 (f) Confectioners 13 13 - - 8 (g) Milk Distributors, Dairies 4 4 4 4 9 (h) Fishmongers, Poulterers 4 4 4 4 4 (i) Greengrocers, Fruiterers 8 6 8 6 - (j) Grocers 48 45 31 31 6 (k) Market Stalls 5 - - - 15 (1) Pannier Market 1 - - - 1 7 (m) Restaurants, cafes 19 19 19 19 3 15 Food Poisoning There were no cases of food poisoning. Poultry Inspection Number of Poultry Processing premises within the district Number of visits to these premises Total number of birds processed during the year Types of birds processed Percentage of birds rejected as unfit for human consumption Weight of poultry condemned as unfit for human consumption 1 41 722, 420 Hens, capons, broiler chicks and turkeys . 45% 11,812 lbs. General supervision continued over the processing and packing in the limited time available and general oversight is carried out by a spotter in the poultry trade. Meat Inspection Regulations 1963 Slaughtering continued at Axminster. Ten slaughtermen are licensed in the district under the Slaughter of Animals Act 1958. 100% meat inspection is carried out and all meat stamped as laid down in the Regulations. Carcases and offal inspected and condemned in whole or in part: Cattle Sheep and Lambs Pigs Number inspected 167 All Disease except Tuberculosis and Cysticercosis : Whole carcases condemned Carcases of which some part was condemned 5 Percentage of number inspected affected with disease other than Tuberculosis and Cysticercosis 3. 0% Tuberculosis only: Whole carcases condemned Carcases of which some part was condemned Percentage of number inspected affected with Tuberculosis Cysticercosis 692 21 5 . 72% 2 9. 5% Diseases of Animals (Waste Foods) Order 1957 There is one licence in force in this district. A new building was erected to re-house the cooking plant and this has resulted in immense improvements. Animal By-Products Continued vigilance has been exercised throughout the year. Refuse Collection and Disposal Delivery of a new compaction vehicle has meant vast improvements for the personnel carrying out refuse collection. It is hoped by the end of next year that 16 a decision will be made to acquire a further compaction vehicle (suitable to this district) and this should further assist with the refuse collection which expands yearly at an approximate rate of l| - 2%. Refuse disposal still continues at Smiters Pit which has an extremely short and limited "life"; therefore there is still the urgent need to acquire a suitable disposal point that will last for several years. Litter Act 1 958 The litter receptacles on county and main roads are emptied twice weekly from June to September and weekly in the remaining part of the year. They still continue to be misused. Civic Amenities Act 1967 Several vehicles have been received and disposed of at the Council's tip and, in the main, local owners are being encouraged not to abandon unwanted vehicles around the countryside but to bring them to the Council disposal point. f Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 - Rodent Control The following premises were inspected: Local Authority 24 Dwelling Houses (including Council Houses) 627 All other (including business premises) 236 Agricultural 214 Test baiting and maintenance treatments were carried out in May and November to the Council's sewerage systems at Axminster, Axmouth, Beer, Colyton, Colyford and Stockland. Private rechargeable treatments and contracts are in operation and services have also been carried out to the Council's sewage treatment plants. Factories Act 1961 Premises Factories in which Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are enforced by the Local Authority Factories not included in above in which Section 7 is enforced by the Local Authority Other premises in which Section 7 is enforced by the Local Authority Totals Number on Number of Number of written Register Inspections Notices 5 5 - 68 31 - 1 1 1 — — — 74 37 1 17 Sections 133 and 134 - Outworkers Section 133 No. of No. of cases of No. of Section 1 34 outworkers default prosecu- No. of in August in tions for instances list re- sending failure of work quired by lists to in un- Nature of Section 1 33 to the supply wholesome Notices Prosecu work (1) (c) Council lists premises served tions W earing apparel 5 - - - - - Nets 3 . - - . . Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 TABLE A - Registrations and General Inspections Totals 4 Offices 2 Retail Shops 2 Wholesale Shops, Warehouses Catering establishments open to the public. Canteens Fuel storage depots 123 14 30 12 73 2 1 18 1 (1) Class of premises (2) Number of premises registered during the year (3) Total number of registered premises at end of year (4) Number of registered premises receiving a general inspection during the year TABLE B - Number of Visits of all kinds by Inspectors to Registered Premises - 27 TABLE C - Analysis by Workplace of Persons employed in Registered Premises Class of workplace (1) Number of persons employed (2) Offices 160 Retail Shops 302 Wholesale departments. Warehouses 20 Catering establishments open to the public 105 Canteens Fuel storage depots 13 Total 600 Total Males 246 Total Females 354 18 Housing Act 1957 1. Total number of dwelling houses informally demolished nil 2. Total number of dwelling houses demolished 4 3. Total number of dwelling houses closed 4 4. Total number of dwelling houses informally closed 2 5. Total number of houses rendered fit by formal notice nil 6. Total number of houses rendered fit by informal notice 3 7. Undertakings accepted 1 8. Undertakings completed 1 Rural Housing Survey Arising from 391 Official Searches, 19 properties were revealed in the lower categories. Owners availed themselves of the information regarding the defects and were encouraged, sometimes by Improvement Gr.int, to raise the condition of the property to a higher category. Housing 56 Private dwellings and 20 Council houses were completed. Improvement Grants During the year 11 Discretionary Grants were approved, involving grants amounting to £3, 042. 26 Standard Grants were also approved, involving maximum grant value of £4, 818. The total number of grant applications dealt with up to 31st December 1968 by the Surveyor's Department, now totals 544, involving a total value of work ot £107, 303. Caravans and Camping Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act I960 Public Health Act 1936 In 1968 there were in use at peak of season: Residential caravans 17 Static Holiday Caravans 402 Touring Caravans 80 Organised Tents 119 Casual Tents 200 Motorised - e. g. Dormobile 12 Holiday Chalet 4 There are four main Licensed caravan sites and two camping sites within the district which are regularly inspected. In view of the indiscriminate use of caravans and the many contraventions of the above Acts, instruction was given to survey the whole district and to ascertain the current position with regard to the siting of all caravans, and similar annual surveys will enable the sub-committee dealing with these matters to keep the position under review and take what action they deem necessary. 19 Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 There is one dealer registered operating from a store. Explosives Administrative work in connection with the Explosives Acts, 1875 and 1923, was carried out. The number licensed was: (a) for the keeping of Mixed Explosives (b) for the keeping of Cartridges (c) for the keeping of Gunpowder 14 2 2 Petroleum Petroleum (Mixtures) Order 1929 Petroleum (Regulations) Acts, 1928 and 1936 The inspection and annual licensing of all statutory installations covering 66 storage sites for petrol and 10 for petroleum mixtures was dealt with. Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 Three establishments have been relicensed, providing adequate and satisfactory accommodation for the boarding of 47 dogs and 15 cats. Re-visits have shown that they have been maintained and well run. Staff Once again I would like to express my thanks to Mr. Cleevely and Miss Urquhart for their excellent help and assistance during the year. L.H. WHITE, M.R.S.H. Chief Public Health Inspector. 4ci \'y%t f ST0l«»a U}»M q«a^ alt i TftUt o»>»r,W** »f <;oo*y« «(N£9rfTiMLlly all I Toi*J «*mc- •oo «| Ta^ Mnunb* .f icto«#4 : * ♦ ftWA^ci -M ' ••vl^oXqxS j. 1 " •*►)<♦ twlt-aiig# « » rj/tipi i. kV*t4f«My»A iuo b*Hitf(» «««^ I :»4W b«Mi»dU tsdimm •jfT Mtirai Mvlsc-Iqaa b«aiW( to |nlq»ft4 ftitl tol a of lliq ^^m^rrty »o « blf;H«r c«t«gp*7. ntu^lo'tfw/R. ' * ■- ■ \ Ho^rinp " t (••ii/txlM) mopfoTja*! ggg Mipl fata 85^1 .aloA {Mol^Aiu^q) nuiolot)**! C»v3''*4^ boupo* w»r4 ccJfnpt«t«4. "5 i^Avoo •aoliallidilLi Yto»t>»ai« If*lo li^tapoll Uutiiia ffobapqwJ *£(7 * "*" |#nproy«fB*^^ri^i^ ••'fcrtairn mooloiiPq tol 01 boa lopt»q tol aoti* pyapo^ 48 " ^ ^ . '- .. ■ Oatlna f ao yo»f II Dl P^etTo>il»i opod Pva/ pJaomi<«ll jalbYpod »j& loJ ■otiabom/nopDa fYOlaatoiiap Th* total 9»wT'.*M»r cf bf d»* 8urv«yo#*« V*ptLrtm**iU acw totala 044^ lavotvia^a ttitaal valop of onorb oi tUt. ltfp. /S.r -w- COfAYronp ^ ii»iq«p of PjfU Woow I aU|a pooO .Y^by pdt f/thijib oxtafpSpiic baa qfpd fnsiipoxa-Ylpilf yoI itadoppU <««#>'•» Aflop *a s C«-a**fot ffl! f^plpqptianf Act . ViKO FVbtK l^pal^Aai b* IHA^brpp 9*-r* ia pop ta t**!. piT poatoa .-: Itppl4«f=t. MatiP Jfo^tdpy Co«~«p«o« CHuRuC .M.J Vi! Otf*r,iP»^ foMr* -MbiPPifPnT fftUipK tO«iO K(oti>7r:»P4 - *vr4» i» HoUlMf ^«>-alal .... 11»«»o «»it foot nvptB Uopoaad *vrppi,> ««*• * •l>**dlata^i prbich aao rpgotArly tatpprtv IT •5'> nt ^« oor^pai poriAloO} altb pof'^’d t}** •^-|i|i|ia <<( all •^otavtuit^ axal , p(«n(i«» axuMal pappofa wUl aiuibi-^ tlta >% i^ppp ra . I. Vp4<)i» tVa iMHictiHi uoidpt riat ••tupp ttat dPMa a«c«4»urr. SIDMOUTH URBAN DISTRICT Area Population Rateable Value Penny Rate produces General Rate levied . 11,475 acres 11, 990 £632, 359 £2, 482 12/6d. Deaths 1967 117 males, 137 females Death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Comparability factor Standardised death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 1968 130 males, 122 females Death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Comparability factor Standardised death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Live Births 1967 57 males, 56 females 9 illegitimate births were registered and are included in the above total of Live birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Comparability factor Standardised birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births . . . 1968 45 males, 42 females 15 illegitimate births were registered and are included in the above total of Live birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Comparability factor Standardised birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births . . . Still Births 1967 1968 0 still births were registered Total live and still births Rate per 1, 000 total (live and 0 still births were registered Total live and still births Rate per 1, 000 total (live and (0 illegitimate) . . . still) births (0 illegitimate) . . still) births 254 21.6 0. 43 9. 3 252 21. 00 0. 43 9. 00 113 113 9. 6 1.9 18. 2 8. 00 87 87 7. 3 1. 90 13. 8 17. 2 0 113 nil 0 87 nil 21 Deaths of Infants under 1 year of age 1967 1 death was registered (0 illegitimate) 1 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 9-00 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 legitimate live births ... 10*00 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 illegitimate live births . . . nil 1968 2 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 2 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 23. 00 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 legitimate I've births . . . 27. 8 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 illegitimate live births . . . nil Deaths of Infants under 4 weeks of age 1967 1 death was registered (0 illegitimate) 1 Neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 9*00 Maternal deaths nil 1968 2 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 2 Neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 23. 00 Maternal deaths nil Deaths of Infants under 1 week of age 1967 0 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate). 0 Early neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births nil Peri-natal mortality rate nil 1968 2 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 2 Early neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 23. 00 Peri-natal mortality rate 23. 00 Deaths The chief causes of death were: Malignant neoplasm, stomach 7 Malignant neoplasm, lung, bronchus 5 Malignant neoplasm, breast 4 Malignant neoplasm, uterus 5 Leukaemia 3 Other malignant neoplasms, etc. 30 Diabetes mellitus 4 Other endocrine, etc. diseases 1 Meningitis 1 Other diseases of nervous system, etc 2 Chronic rheumatic heart disease 2 Hypertensive disease 4 Ischaemic heart disease 38 Other forms of heart disease 19 Cerebrovascular disease 32 Other diseases of circulatory system 13 Influenza 1 Pneumonia 13 Bronchitis and emphysema 3 Asthma ^ Other diseases of respiratory system 4 22 Peptic ulcer 4 Appendicitis 1 Intestinal obstruction and hernia 1 Cirrhosis of liver 2 Other diseases of digestive system 1 Nephritis and nephrosis 1 Hyperplasia of prostate 1 Other diseases, genito-urinary system 2 Diseases of musculo-skeletal system 3 Congenital anomalies 2 Birth injury, difficult labour, etc. 1 Symptoms and ill-defined conditions 2 Motor vehicle accidents 3 All other accidents 4 Suicide and self-inflicted injuries 2 All other external causes 2 252 23 Annual Report of the Public Health Inspector Generally the work of the department proceeded satisfactorily during the year, able assistance having been given by Mr. A. Tawse. Normal activities were interrupted by the floods which occurred in July. Fortunately no public health hazard arose and it was possible to concentrate efforts on providing assistance with clearing up and drying the houses affected. The following is a resume of the work carried out during the year. Infectious Diseases One case of food poisoning (Salmonella) was notified; the person affected being a visitor who became ill just after arriving in the town. The time of onset clearly indicated that the infection had been picked up elsewhere, but the Local Authority of the person's home area were unable to pinpoint the source. A case of Typhoid notified required a considerable amount of investigation and follow-up of the family and other home contacts of the case. The disease proved to be confined to the one person affected, a child, who had recently arrived with other members of the family from the Far East. Water Supplies The East Devon Water Board continued to be responsible for supply of water to the vast majority of premises in the district. Extracts relating to the district from the Board's Chief Engineer's Report are given on pages 7-8. Private supplies in the district were reduced by two, these being houses in Greenway area to which a mains supply was brought at the expense of the owners concerned. Asa result of discovery of a potential source of serious pollution to two private water supplies in the Sidbury area - a dump containing animal matter - urgent measures were taken to eliminate the hazard. Following this, on our advice, the persons whose water supplies were affected proceeded with schemes to provide safer water sources, and at the time of writing one has been completed and the other is in progress. A list of private supplies is given in Appendix 'A'. Air Pollution Daily measurements of smoke and sulphur dioxide content at the Sidmouth sampling point in the Highways Depot were discontinued in April, Warren Springs Laboratory having obtain sufficient data for their requirements. Sewerage The Ministry, following submission of detailed plans relating to enlargement of the sewer system by the Surveyor, raised several technical queries. Shortage of technical staff in the Surveyor's department delayed alterations in the plans required by the Ministry, but at the time of writing the Surveyor has almost completed them and the amended plans will be submitted soon for final approval. 24 The Salcombe Regia sewage disposal arrangements gave rise to difficulties on several occasions because of gross overloading. The Council has agreed, however, that provision of adequate sewage treatment plant there be given equal priority with revision of the main sewerage, and the Surveyor is in process of drawing up a suitable scheme for approval by the Council. Refuse Disposal Use of the tip at Knapp Copse, where Honiton Borough, Honiton Rural District, and Seaton Urban District Councils also dump, continued. The possibility of attaining a fully controlled tipping routine mentioned in last year's report was given full consideration. We were fortunate in obtaining the advice of Mr. H.M. Ellis, of Bristol, an acknowledged expert, who at the Surveyor's request inspected our tip in August. He advised that it would be possible by introduction of arrangements which he suggested, to have a controlled tipping routine, and these suggestions, which incorporated a proposal for a road to a lower level in the copse, were approved by the Council. The Surveyor's department commenced work at the site late in the year, but with the winter rainfall conditions at the tip made it impossible for the work to continue, delaying completion of the job. The conditions at the tip during the wet weather clearly indicated that a daily controlled tipping operation may be wellnigh impossible at times of continuous heavy rainfall. It is thought, however, that periods without daily cover, occasioned by adverse weather conditions, would be acceptable. Diseases of Animals (Waste Foods) Order 1957 During the year the County Council imposed new standards for swill boiling plants under their jurisdiction, and asked other local authorities to consider adoption of similar standards for premises in their areas. Sidmouth Council agreed to do so, and swill boiling licensees in the district were informed and given until June 1969 to carry out the necessary modifications to their premises. One licensee incorporated the new proposals in the construction of a new building to house pigs. Of the remaining three licensees in the district, one has now ceased business for reasons unconnected with the new requirements, leaving two plants to be brought up to the required standard. Caravans The number of licensed sites in the district remains as before, details of which are as follows: Dunscombe Manor Farm, Salcomb Thorn Farm, Salcombe Regis Slade Farm, Salcombe Regis Bulverton House, Sidmouth Applegarth Hotel, Sidford Number of Caravans Ficensed Regis ... 58 50 9 1 (temporary) 1 (temporary) 25 At Dunscombe Manor Farm a new licensee intends to provide caravans with individual internal facilities in preference to building communal toilet blocks. It is his intention ultim.ately to have all caravans with internal facilities, but in view of the expense involved in providing drainage, etc., the work will be phased over several years. Initially drainage and sewage disposal arrangements will be provided for ten vans in one area, and it is expected that these works will be completed by the start of the 1969 season. An application for an increase in the number of vans at Thorn Farm to sixty was refused by the Council for planning reasons and also on public health grounds. An Appeal was lodged by the owner and as a result a Public Enquiry was held. The Council claimed that further increase in the population in caravans would aggravate the situation created by the already overloaded village sewage disposal works, and that proposals submitted by the applicant for the installation of a sewage plant at the caravan site were not acceptable. These points were upheld and supported the planning objections, resulting in dismissal of the Appeal by the Minister. Four caravans are actually stationed at Slade Farm since the owner has not yet gone ahead with provision of amenities on the site. The approval given in 1967 for an increase in the number of vans from four to nine was conditional on amenities being provided. During the season regular visits to the sites showed that conditions were generally satisfactory. Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 Rodents Most rodent infestations came to our knowledge following complaint. Investigation required survey of 166 properties (including one agricultural) of which 107 showed evidence of infestation by rodents. In a very large number of cases, however, the infestations were of an odd rat or mouse in gardens, and all were satisfactorily dealt with. A complete test bait of the sewer system in the early part of the year gave a negative result. Other Pests Insect pest control required a considerable amount of work although less than in the previous year, and all complaints were dealt with satisfactorily. Petroleum The number of licensed premises in the district at the end of the year was thirty, a reduction of one from 1967. Duties under the Petroleum (Regulation) Acts, 1928 and 1936, were routine except in one case where there was a suspicion of a leakage of petroleum. Investigation by means of nitrogen pressure test showed that there was a leak in a pump suction pipe, and the necessary measures were taken to remedy it. It was not possible to consult with other local authorities regarding the adoption of a new Model Code produced during the year by the Home Office. At the time of writing, arrangements are in hand for a meeting to discuss the new code. 26 Explosives The number of premises registered for keeping fireworks was fourteen, and visits were made to ensure compliance with safety standards. Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 Five premises were registered under the Act during 1968. These, together with one premises outstanding, were given a general inspection, and another fifty-four visits were made to registered premises. Full details of premises, employees, etc., are given in Appendix 'B'. Factories Act 1961 Forty-five non-mechanical and sixteen mechanical factories were on the register at the end of the year. Visits were made, twenty-one and two respectively, no notices being served. Food and Drugs Act 1955 Liquid Egg (Pasteurisation) Regulations 1963 There are no pasteurisation plants in the district and no samples of liquid egg were taken for the Alpha Amylase test. Unsound Food Details of food voluntarily surrendered and destroyed are given in Appendix 'C'. Section 16 - Registration Cooked and Preserved Food, Sausages, etc. With the cancellation of one registration, due to discontinuance of the business, and one new registration, the number of premises remained at 17. Ice Cream With four additional registrations during 1968, the total number of registered premises is now 40. Of the four new registrations, one relates to the manufacture of ice cream (cold mix) and the others to storage. Ten samples from six premises were taken, for examination by the Public Health Laboratory Service. With one exception the ice cream sampled was sold loose, and in two cases (cold mix) it was manufactured on the premises. The difficulty of ensuring adequate sterilising of equipment and utensils is illustrated by the fact that the sample gradings were - Number of Samples Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 10 2 2 4 2 27 In one case a new cold mix soft ice cream machine produced samples of Grades 3 and 4 in spite of careful attention to cleaning routines. The cold mix manufacturer's technical representative visited and suggested measures to improve the quality, but it was not possible to gauge results since there was only a very short time between the visit and the close down of business for the winter. Food Complaints Four complaints were received during the year; two of mould growth (sausages and sweets); one concerning adherent clay film on the inside of a milk bottle; and the remaining one regarding extraneous glass - like material contained in a portion of cheese spread. This latter case was interesting in that what appeared to be slivers of glass proved on analysis to be crystalline phosphate emulsifying salts, normal ingredients of cheese spread, although something had obviously gone wrong in the manufacturing process for them to appear in this form. This complaint did not, of course, require any action under the Act, although the manufacturers did look for the possible cause of the occurrence. In the other three cases legal action was not taken, warnings being given to those concerned regarding a possible recurrence. In the case of the milk bottle complaint, the company advised that they are to install electronic scanning equipment at the dairy to further reduce the possibility of dirty bottles escaping the notice of 'spotters', now employed. Milk and Dairies The situation as regards milk distribution in the district remains as previously, the great bulk of milk coming from Exeter and distributed through a local depot. Milk from local producers is also distributed through this depot and one private individual. Investigation for Brucella abortus was carried out at two producers' premises. The number of registered dairies in the district remained at five. Food Hygiene (General) Regulations I960 The number of premises subject to these Regulations is given in Appendix 'D', which also includes information on visits etc. The general condition of these premises was, in the main, satisfactory, although a few required improvement. The lack of awareness of the need for good hygienic practises amongst staff and proprietors in these places is the chief difficulty encountered. This can probably only be overcome by education during frequent visits, which is a time consuming and long term process. Particular attention was given to two catering premises in the district, and efforts to bring about real improvement are in progress. Food Hygiene (Markets, Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1968 All premises and vehicles based in the district coming under the provisions of the above Regulations were inspected. Where necessary, action was taken to have the premises or vehicle brought up to the required standard. Total number of visits made in connection with the Regulations was 69. 28 Housing The following action was taken during the year under the Housing Act 1957 One house and one flat were declared unfit, action to close being deferred pending expiration of the tenancies. In one case the tenant has been re -housed, and an undertaking received from the owner not to use the house for habitation. Two houses were declared unfit, and demolition order procedure is in progress at the time of writing. One house subject to an undertaking was renovated with the aid of an improvement grant, and the hovB e having been made fit the undertaking was cancelled. Improvement Grants Very good progress was made with modernisation of the older council houses with the aid of Ministry grants. Although grants towards the cost of improvement of private properties were again made freely available by the Council, the decline in the number of Discretionary Grants applied for continued - a trend which is occurring throughout the country. A White Paper issued gave information on intended legislation aimed at stimulating interest in renovating older property by means of higher grants, inclusion of repairs and certain other advantages to owners. Details of the number of grants dealt with during the year are given in Appendix 'E', which also includes information regarding new dwellings and conversions. Nuisances About 70 complaints received throughout the year necessitated over 200 visits for investigation and follow up. Complaints covered the usual range, and where action was necessary an informal approach produced satisfactory results . Public Conveniences Generally the cleanliness of the conveniences was of a good standard, although with wear and tear and malicious damage, the state of decoration of some of the conveniences was not up to the standard set in the past. The Council has authorised the necessary expenditure to remedy the situation and work is expected to commence shortly. J. FEE Public Health Inspector 29 ' n 1a «xui • ft«w eald rai*t **<1040 AiArfMn# p»o4u<.£^|||^^||4|i« » > an4 4 H uf <,A.rA6a A an4 4 h uC <,A.rA6a *toii‘ViiV iAvl • t^.r ^ . /ho ««{»;.' wtT *t «w( 'V "» :r*A.»UA tl&Ar« tw-ia*Urf jjnti^aWiif <3ffjiihir>hftkri» n «9*^ V*d inMA) »iit 9AC9 oao nl .MOiTnAOA) aii^ 1h> AoltAilcptA A^lbAAq .aolj«9lfi«d Tol AAirorf pd^ ••« oi J«a Twt¥,'o Aiii mpTl iai4itt-s»hoj9 oA'bifA f- 'lOfi C'jU’P-^ •it# at »i wiubApoiq i»bio it^hilormb bwB bstaiadb •HM# a»tcad oVT • »t lat.tf re«STif u 'O b< »l^r«r« of ^U»» P^'^»idY!^'>aAa 10 u# ' nrM*lUn« AAlfa* 9d cWa4a Apr*(Ml* A^ikoittgfk AotnAiliind ^WkS pTvcoAt Ifeje tb«m to l|4M»«r to Iki# ror./r. T*ti* /o##r^UiaL btnojr uirAA casAh IrjAl *<1ion «*** iu>i UiVen, warrlniCA hcusp-j^OA <9 ui^m 3*10 >Yii*a TAiiv Alt} fpodst/AidJ boviaMT •i^iilqtnaa OT luodA < .Mnin loM ^ .«)LD«f^ Thv gMi/fai coadirioa vt th<^n* ^ryml»«A w««, 1h4I>>: titAio. A/^niTactory* g4 pr«i*'** 1* :H« •dT .faoqAd) al la* bYAbaada ed) os qa soa tow af>aAxa*vft03 aitl I0 antaa lo baa ikhmsO •v.atrkt. 4.4:.. r.,^ iOoYXa* ^-4- *J^oo4 RjfftAStof (UertariAi Pla >«» ^iiMI i'#A>ct»f ♦ Hag*».UiiU>#\a iH® •»• ; i'* , i • ( ■ Alt ptaxwllra* frfid trabltfl^A ^«aAfJ la Ut« «4t»t t v«Atier tha •‘ ptfovtalott* *»i^*Jgim abc-va Rc^olatiaaA ••'oqaai dilavH :)lid • 76 2, 733 lbs. Food Premises Routine inspections of food shops and food preparation establishments have been carried out. Contraventions of the Food Hygiene Regulations noted during these inspections have been dealt with by informal action. Nuisances Thirty complaints were received, consisting of choked drains, fleas, accumulations of rubbish, housing defects, filthy premises and mosquitoes. All were satisfactorily dealt with, in some cases following advice, and in other cases by informal action. 58 General 1968 will be remembered in Ottery St. Mary as the year of the flood. On 11th July, after torrential rain, the River Otter burst its banks and flooded the valley, causing damage in our district from Fenny Bridges, through Ottery St. Mary Town, down to Tipton St. John. The mains water supply and sewage treatment plants were damaged at many points. Dwellings and business premises were submerged, with resultant loss and damage to property and structure. Agricultural harvests, especially hay, were ruined, and cattle and other livestock were swilled along the valley towards the sea. Praise must go to those who gave such prompt assistance and so much voluntary help in cleaning up the area and attending to the damaged services. This must have contributed to the avoidance of the spread of infection. Staff There were no staff changes during 1968. L. OSBORNE Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector (for W. E. Glover) 59 -r-ilJ" ‘>1 a I :-^V.' ■' -' . .' ^ , :. ■-- , . ■'-. ': V .- ■■ In an f O' ^'K ’ . - * ^ }q ‘tmf%t»40 ^ Tt^pO ni f^$x»drt3^t^r etd iliif $^4 3^ moTlf Tiutt tti m^smsh ftnittfn ftfb W&^pQ boji li) .arfi»L ,18 of Wo* ^MfbTj^iptifli^ii^ Pig* }« 0r»«f ttatJq 6gA»a« 6aa :Yf(|q[^u« »/rT ^ vbogiaiTKifva ofAio «o»U«l#:ti{, MOi^Utid fed* agnlXiow^t .•lAioif ynotn oj 1»«A «*oi^ #AfcJio«>t t» ^0^ i i Ikoi 6UI46 biu * 1 '■fV 'vy ^ '^r** »^,oi‘6»nyrfllfiao? ovsjf^^nuai •ld7‘ .••iiv'io* b<>i|4lfMi* oitt ^ i» i,«t<,. .A, V, .v ■fi — -«i . wWK <3l*««*** r^ T.95* T^tiPb a^gaaifa l>Ba on oa^w odaifT I't-'v-v *s >. ■ • #>r- w M«i*| » *t>f lb«-. tuuf ib'i;' r tisiWliitaKt X^jMvlo^.rosiWii* 03tly: lOU^H Uld^ UidO ^tkt^Q Coi»Ocr»i»*»I'4f.»i fdftvolo »3 . W lOX} ^ , ^- _• ..f-V.'ty^. .' -Oh V ; : !<;■>, >■ i^5r ' ’ ^ s .'’T^ .' &• r, a>». 'Ll. w :a^' • xv> ;;• A , ;--4s 'it “Ml# ■ - . .•■ ■ T4 roi>4 f>r«mU44 . f y//^-- 'm.~j--f'.--: i, T >3 U f. • : •• s . f « , « .-^1 . . ', ■ r • R«uill« ♦nij tb«* pT*.ir*(lMl s,4lUU^.^»^.’!ii.<.iI* hi^vg.lMOii Cfirtriifa v,it "’o^ocTjyroiiAWft# rood «»!•«« j»o»<{ in v^rr ^as^* jH^imf acrtot- ’■ -‘ •'•■'•V> V. •I V,-,. - A^v^.;/. SEATON URBAN DISTRICT Area Population Rateable Value Penny Rate produces General Rate levied - 1 , 1 78 acres 3, 840 £229, 378 f 920 14s. Deaths 1967 27 males, 42 females 69 Death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 18.4 Comparability factor 0.43 Standardised death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 7. 9 1968 27 males, 35 females 62 Death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 16. 1 Comparability factor 0.45 Standardised death rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 7. 3 Live Births 1967 16 males, 15 females 31 1 illegitimate birth was registered and is included in the above total of 31 Live birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 8.3 Comparability factor 1.64 Standardised birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 13.6 Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births . ... 3.2 1968 19 males, 13 females 32 4 illegitimate births were registered and are included in the above total of 32 Live birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 8.3 Comparability factor 1,64 Standardised birth rate per 1, 000 of the estimated resident population 13.7 Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births . ... 12. 5 Still Births 1967 0 still births were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Total live and still births 31 Rate per 1, 000 total (live and still) births nil 1968 0 still births were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Total live and still births 32 Rate per 1, 000 total (live and still) births nil Deaths of Infants under 1 year of age 1967 1 death was registered (0 illegitimate) 1 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 32.00 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 legitimate live births . . . 33. 3 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 illegitimate live births . . nil 1968 0 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 live births nil Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 legitimate live births . . , nil Infant mortality rate per 1, 000 illegitimate live births .. nil 60 Deaths of Infants under 4 weeks of age 1967 1 death was registered (0 illegitimate) 1 Neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births 32. 00 Maternal deaths nil 1968 0 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Neo-natal mortality rate per 1,000 live births nil Maternal deaths nil Deaths of Infants under 1 week of age 1967 1 death was registered (0 illegitimate) 1 Early neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births . . . 32. 00 Peri-natal mortality rate 32. 00 1968 0 deaths were registered (0 illegitimate) 0 Early neo-natal mortality rate per 1, 000 live births. . . . nil Peri-natal mortality rate nil Deaths The chief causes of death were: Malignant neoplasm, stomach 1 Malignant neoplasm, lung, bronchus 3 Malignant neoplasm, breast 1 Leukaemia 1 Other malignant neoplasms, etc 5 Ischaemic heart disease 16 Other forms of heart disease 7 Cerebrovascular disease 9 Other diseases of circulatory system 3 Pneumonia 3 Bronchitis and emphysema 5 Peptic ulcer 1 Other diseases of digestive system 1 Nephritis and nephrosis 1 Other diseases, genito-urinary system 1 Motor vehicle accidents 1 All other accidents 1 Suicide and self-inflicted injuries 2 62 61 Annual Report of the Public Health Inspector As your part-time Public Health Inspector I have to report as follows : Public Health Inspections (including re-inspections): General Inspections and nuisances Official search Removal through streets of offensive matter Inspection of piggeries Factory Acts Pet Shops Matters connected with sewers and drains Food Hygiene Regulations and unsound food Markets, Stalls and Delivery Vehicle Regulations Housing defects Rent Act inspections Insect pests and pigeon nuisances Infectious disease Toilets in cafes and on caravan sites Rodent control Other inspections listed below under separate headings Number of inspections 71 2 3 9 7 1 39 44 1 1 10 3 10 4 7 14 98 333 Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 TABLE A - Registrations and General Inspections Class of premises Number of premises newly regis- tered during the year Total number of registered premises Number of registered premises receiving visits during the year Offices 3 Retail Shops 4 Wholesale shops and Warehouses Catering establishments open to the public 1 Fuel storage depots 25 14 58 28 18 2 6 1 8 103 * 49 * This is the total after deleting from the register 6 no longer coming under the Act. TABLE B - Number of Visits of all kinds to Registered Premises - 67 TABLE C - Analysis by Workplace of Persons employed in Registered Premises : 62 Class of workplace Offices Retail Shops Catering establishments Fuel storage depots Number of persons employed Male Female 52 53 86 141 30 64 9 1 177 259 Informal action was taken wherever necessary to secure compliance with the Act and Regulations made thereunder. No exemptions were sought nor were there any prosecutions under the Act. No accidents were reported. Factories Act 1961 Number on Number of Number of Premises register inspections notices Factories in which mechanical power IS iTot used ... ... ... ... 1 Factories where power is used 21 7 - Other premises (including building sites^ ... ... ... ... 5 . — — — 27 7 There were no cases calling for formal action. Sections 133 and 134 - Outworkers Nature of Work Number of Outworkers Wearing apparel 1 Housing No Council-owned dwellings were built during the year. There were ten inspections in respect of minor defects in dwellings. Common Lodging Houses There are none in the Urban District. Water Supply No samples were taken by this department as the East Devon Water Board do their own sampling and chemical and bacteriological examinations. So far as is known the supply has been satisfactory in quality and quantity. There was no known contamination. All dwellings in the town have a piped supply of water from the Board's mains direct to the houses. Sewerage and Sewage Disposal During the year the Council's Contractors, Messrs. Ruddock & Meighan, continued the construction of the new sewage works and also laid new sewers in Harepath Road, Barnards Lane, Court Lane, Cross Street, Beer Road and Old Beer Road. 63 Refuse Collection and Disposal Refuse collection and disposal is under the control of the Surveyor and proceeds satisfactorily. Food Hygiene (General) Regulations I960 The inspection of food premises continues. The following is a revised list of food premises subject to the above Regulations: Fitted to comply with Reg. 19 Fitted to comply with Type Reg. 16 applies Reg. 19 19 Restaurants or Cafes 19 19 19 38 Food shops, including Chemists' and Sweet shops 38 32 30 8 Food kiosks 6 5 5 5 Hotels (including 4 hotel bars) 5 5 5 1 Holiday Camp 1 1 1 2 Public Houses 2 2 2 2 Club Bars 2 2 2 Liquid Egg(Pasteurisation)Regulations 1967 There are no egg pasteurisation plants or poultry processing stations in the Urban District. Food and Drugs Act 1955 There were nine certificates issued in respect of condemned food - mostly tinned - voluntarily surrendered. Complaints were received of (a) a slug in loose frozen peas, and (b) a copper staple in sultanas. Suitable action by way of warning was taken in both cases . Milk There are on the register ten distributors of milk with premises in Seaton; there is one farm dairy in Seaton, and one purveyor of milk from outside the district. There were two complaints of dirty milk bottles. One sample of milk was submitted for examination for Brucella abortus, with negative results. Routine samples were taken by the N.A.A.S. by arrangement with the M. O. H. , and occasional samples by the Devon County Council Health Department. Ice Cream There are no ice cream processing plants. Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 - Rodent Control. In addition to inspections made by me, including properties inspected during the course of visits for other purposes, the rodent operator was called in and treated 33 properties for rats or mice. The sewers have twice been treated but there was very little evidence of rats. 64 At the beginning of the year one of the Ministry's staff gave a two-day course of instruction to our new operator. Infectious Disease There is nothing to report under this heading except the checking up of possible contacts from outside the district. Petroleum (Regulations) Acts 1928 and 1936 There were 25 visits to petroleum storage premises for the testing of a new tank and to see that the Regulations generally were complied with. Explosives Act 1875 - Storage of Fireworks in Retail Shops Six inspections were made to see that fireworks were properly stored. Diseases of Animals (Waste Food) Order 1957 This Order only applied to one pig keeper at the end of the year. Statutory Nuisances Nineteen complaints were investigated and resolved: these were mostly complaints of smell, insect pests, or minor housing defects. In addition informal action was taken following matters discovered upon inspection of twelve premises. Caravans and Camping A survey carried out during the summer by the Surveyor's Department showed that there were in use at the height of the season: Residential caravans ... 8 Static holiday caravans . . 77 Tourist caravans ... 32 Organised tents ... 10 Casual tents ... 159 Holiday chalets . . . 739 There are no gipsy camps in Seaton. Public Health Inspectors' Conference - Blackpool I have to record that I attended this Conference and found the discussions very interesting and instructive. I was also glad to attend a weekend course for Public Health Inspectors at Exeter University on the subjects of Noise and Clean F ood. P. R. BRADLEY, A.R.S.H. Public Health Inspector. 65